Scholarly critiquing: A 12 step guide for promoting professional life long learning in medical academia

Dinesh Kumar

doi:10.15171/rdme.2019.013

Abstract

The concept of the journal club is a time-tested collaborative learning activity to keep health professionals abreast of current literature and improve their confidence in reading literature.Being equipped with the skills to critically analyse a peer-reviewed scientific manuscript is equally as important as carrying out research and publishing papers. Most published literature related to the concept of journal club examines only the core critical appraisal skills and leaves behind potential factors which could significantly influence the effective pursuit of a journal club. In this practical advice paper, the author highlights 12 steps for conducting an effective journal club and the practical difficulties associated with each step.

Highlights

Fuelled by ongoing educational inflation and advances in information - communication technologies, the medical academy requires the continuous acquisition of knowledge and practices to remain competitive and viable
Tip 3: Communicate the goals of the activity to all stakeholders Journal club activities should preferably accomplish some or all of the following objectives: 1) to impart information on optimal patient care/teaching based on available global evidence, 2) to resolve controversies generated on a particular subject, 3) to hone the practice of critical appraisal, and 4) to acquaint the stakeholders with advances in the field of interest.[8]
Journal club offers a unique way of critically appraising peer-reviewed publications in a constructive manner that allows participants to keep abreast of current literature and learn critical reading skills

Summary

Introduction

Fuelled by ongoing educational inflation and advances in information - communication technologies, the medical academy requires the continuous acquisition of knowledge and practices to remain competitive and viable. From the days of Sir William Osler until now, journal club has been a time-tested collaborative learning activity to keep health professionals abreast of current literature and research and improve their confidence in reading literature.[2] Another ramification which stems from critical review of publications in peer-reviewed journals is drafting a “letter to the editor,” a form of short communication that conveys alternate viewpoints or points of interest.[3] It can be understood that being equipped with the skills to critically analyse peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts is as important as carrying out research and publishing papers, as viewpoints in medicine need not always be either in black or white.[4] little or no weight is given to the number of journal clubs presented or letters to editors in the medical academy.

Results

Conclusion